Pursuant to a regulation issued by the Administrator of the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control, all dogs entering a DFA must have a permit and registration tag from a licensed veterinarian. People bring dogs into a Chicago Park District DFA must have both a permit with them and a registration tag for each dog. The registration tag must be on the dog's collar or harness. The permit and registration tag may be used at any officially sanctioned Chicago Park District DFA.

The same reason you clean up after your dog; beacuse it's the rules, it's the right thing to do, and when you get a ticket, you'll have no one to blame but yourself. The tag also show other beach users that you are a responsible owner, and your dog is immunized.

Any permit and registration tag will be valid only for a single season no matter when purchased. A single season is defined as the period running from January 1 st of any year through December 31 st of the same year.

Permits and tags will only be available at participating Chicagoland veterinary offices.If you are an out-of-state resident you must also contact one of the participating Chicagoland veterinary offices to determine what paperwork is necessary to obtain the permit and tag. Most of these veterinarians will help those whose own vets are not participating. You should call them first to confirm that they will assist you and to determine how much they charge for an office visit. Visitors to the city are not required to have a Chicago Dog License.

Pursuant to regulations under the new Cook County Ordinance, dog owners must show proof of:

Current dog license issued by the City of Chicago, or proof that the dog has a current rabies vaccination.

Examination within the past year for any communicable diseases including an examination of a stool specimen for internal parasites.

Current vaccination or titer if possible for Distemper, Hepatitis, Para-influenza, Parvovirus, and Bordatella (kennel cough) unless an exemption to this requirement has been granted by the Administrator upon the written recommendation from the Owner's veterinarian.

No. You can substitute proof of rabies vacination for a Chicago Dog License, but you will still need to go to one of the participating vets to get a tag. If your dog is already vaccinated bring your records with you. Most vets will want to perform an exam because they have to certify your dog is in good health and may not want to sign the form without an exam.

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control will enforce DFA tag rules and regulations and issue tickets to violators. Violators, along with the Chicago Park District, will face a possible fine of $500. The Chicago Park District does not enforce the tag rule.

According to County regulation, "An exemption to this requirement (can be) granted by the Administrator upon the written recommendation from the Owner's veterinarian."

The Administrator of this regulation is Cook County Animal and Rabies Control, so to get an exemption, you must send a letter to CCARC along with a letter from your vet explaining why your dog is not vaccinated. He will review it and decide if you can still use the dog parks. This may take some time, so if you need an exemption, you may want to get started on it. I would suggest that since you are asking for a favor, you keep the commentary to a minimum.

Requests for vaccination exemptions can be sent to: Cook County Animal and Rabies Control 10220 S. 76th Ave. 2nd Floor Bridgeview, IL 60455

We just want to warn folks that the Chicago Police Department is starting to issue warning tickets about parking violations in the lot adjacent to the dog beach. We assume that this could lead to real parking tickets being issued.

Members of the Chicago Police Department have been handing out fliers in the vicinity of the dog beach that look like the ones shown below. They have also advised individuals that they may be giving out tickets to people that fail to obey the law.

Montrose Dog Beach was founded on a simple premise: “There is enough beach for everyone.” While our community has grown tremendously over the years, we believe the sentiment still holds true. We all love our slice of shoreline, but what many may not know is that the beach to our southeastern border is equally treasured by many species of birds and a large community of birders and nature lovers.

Unfortunately, the birders and nature lovers frequently contend with dogs that are illegally on both the main portion of the beach and in the two natural areas, Montrose Beach Dunes and Montrose Point. Dogs are not allowed in any of those areas whether leashed or unleashed.

The result, as the photo from a local birder shows, can be fatal for migratory birds that use the beach to rest and feed after long and exhausting migrations. Dogs are also a danger to the 11 bird species that nest at Montrose Beach. We’re sharing the stark photo of a Stilt Sandpiper, a rare bird for Montrose that was killed this past month by a dog that was on the beach illegally, to emphasize the importance of being thoughtful neighbors by only allowing dogs where they are permitted and always keeping dogs on-leash outside Montrose Dog Beach.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely part of the majority of people who love setting their pup free inside the dog beach, and then considerately leashes them on your way in and out. So we’re asking for your help to spread the word - both digitally and in person.

In short, DOGS MUST ALWAYS BE LEASHED OUTSIDE OF THE DOG BEACH, AND NO DOGS, LEASHED OR NOT, ARE EVER PERMITTED ON THE REST OF MONTROSE BEACH OR IN THE TWO MONTROSE NATURAL AREAS. Violators can be fined up to $500 by the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Animal Care and Control.

Thanks for your continued help keeping the beach safe, clean and fun for everyone.